DMs: Do you use PrC's and Templates?

[BSF]

I use far more "stock" critters and core class NPC's than I do templates and PrCs. I always try to have a good story hook as to why the PC's encounter a templated/PrCed opponent. Not that they always look for the reason. Still, I like to know why so I can maintain the consistency that I want for the game.

Templates and PrC's do not make frequent appearances, but it is often enough to really keep my players entertained.

 

[Endur]

I don't use PRCs for monsters. I try to avoid letting PCs have PRCs as well.

Although I like the cultural idea of PRCs, they tend to be so unbalanced and require so many extra rules, that I try to avoid PRCs completely.

Templates are a bit different. Although they are even more unbalanced than PRCs, templates are usually only used by NPC monsters, so I can balance them myself. I try to avoid stacking multiple templates and only use templates when they make sense.

Its kind of a balancing act with templates. I could create a unique monster and give that monster various abilities. Or I could say that this monster was created by following a particular generic process and has all the standard abilities from a template. To the extent that the generic template monster is going to be somewhat close to what my unique monster would have been, it is easier to just go with the generic template monster. Even if that means the generic template monster ends up with some abilities I wasn't planning to give it.

For example, for story reasons, I want a monster that has the ability to teleport. I could look at the various monsters in the MM that have the ability to teleport. I could also compare with a 9th level wizard or 10th level sorceror (possibly adding spellcaster levels or a template onto a monster). Whatever I end up with is likely to have various intermediate abilities besides the teleport ability (i.e. a 9th level Wizard can cast lots of spells, etc.).

 

[jgbrowning]

Fixed, gang. And remember, use "report a post"!

I use class levels with monsters, but PrCs are often a pain to apply quickly. I use templates quite a bit, though.

Thanks PK! I'll remember in the future.

joe b.